Sometimes the semen comes out as a white jelly or looks thick and lumpy; other times, it is more watery or transparent. This can be a cause for concern for some men.
Although it is true that this fluid, made up of spermatozoa and seminal fluid, is usually viscous, its consistency can vary due to various factors. They range from food and hydration to possible pathologies.
Next, we will know the causes for which the semen comes out as white jelly. We will also discuss whether this is normal or should be a cause for concern.
Contents
What is semen?
Semen is a viscous substance that the man expels through the penis at ejaculation. Its function is to serve as a vehicle for sperm to reach the egg and produce fertilization.
However, several organs of the male reproductive system are involved in its production. Each one fulfills a particular function:
- Testicles: Sperm are formed in the seminiferous tubules of the testicles. These cells undergo various changes and maturation processes to ensure their viability before being expelled; these changes occur in a particular segment of the testis called the epididymis. This process is known to take around 75 days.
- Seminal vesicles: provide most of the fluid or seminal fluid. They produce semenogelin, the substance that makes semen have that thick consistency.
- Prostate: produces the so-called prostate-specific antigen (PSA); This enzyme breaks down semenogelin, making the semen less dense between 5 and 60 minutes after ejaculation.
The characteristics of semen are studied through the program so that we can point out the following:
- Its volume can vary, although, in general terms, an ejaculation is considered normal when it exceeds 2 milliliters.
- It is composed of 5% sperm and testosterone, 13-33% prostatic substances such as antigens, and 46-80% secretion from the seminal vesicles.
- The number of sperm per ejaculation is also variable, between 15 and 200 million.
- It is whitish, although it can be yellow, sometimes almost transparent, or even gray.
- Its consistency is dense, so it is not quickly expelled from the vagina.
- The semen pH is between 7.2 and 7.8.
What can change the appearance of the semen?
The amount and appearance of semen is variable. Even its smell, texture, and taste. Different factors can influence its characteristics:
- active sex life
- fluid intake and diet
- ambient and body temperature
- physical activity
- alcohol or drug use
- hormonal changes
- alterations in the prostate or seminal vesicles
Causes why semen comes out as white jelly
In addition to the above factors, there are specific reasons why semen may come out as a white jelly or lumpy appearance. However, it is appropriate to clarify that this refers more to build and texture and does not necessarily affect its composition.
On the other hand, such a situation should not be cause for concern in most cases. Sometimes it doesn’t even bother you. Some of the more common causes include the following:
1. Hydration
Sperm is mostly water. And since the body needs fluids, when it needs it, it can take it from different places.
Thus, in situations of dehydration, it is not uncommon for the texture of the semen to be affected, making it appear thicker. Therefore, we must remember to hydrate very well; the general recommendation is to drink at least 2 liters daily.
2. Food
Specific dietary changes may also affect semen viscosity and its color, smell, and taste. Similarly, some foods help improve sperm quality.
3. Low testosterone
This is another factor why semen can come out as a white jelly. It may be accompanied by other symptoms that indicate low testosterone, such as low libido, fatigue, irritability, erectile dysfunction, muscle wasting, and alopecia.
4. Infection
Some infections, for example, those related to sexually transmitted diseases, can affect the epididymis. This is a spiral-shaped tube that stores sperm.
In turn, epididymitis causes the sperm survival rate to be low, altering the density and volume of the semen. It can even make ejaculation difficult or painful.
5. High sperm concentration
The amount or volume of sperm per milliliter varies, as we already mentioned. But the more time passed without ejaculating, the greater the concentration. And when there is a lot of sperm, the semen becomes a white jelly.
6. Coagulation of proteins
Another possibility related to not having ejaculated for a while, which can cause the semen to look lumpy, is that proteins that help clotting begin accumulating in the testicles. The result will be semen that comes out as white jelly.
7. Agglutination
A less common but possible cause is sperm clumping. In this case, there is an excess of antibodies in the semen since the immune system recognizes the sperm as a foreign substance.
In addition to causing the semen to come out like a white jelly, the action of antibodies that fight sperm can lead to male infertility, according to research carried out in this regard.
When should I worry if the semen comes out as white jelly?
A semen that comes out like white jelly rarely means a pathology and does not require treatment, mainly if no other signs are observed. So you don’t have to worry too much. Maybe you need more hydration.
Even this can be considered a positive. The more viscous sperm will tend to adhere better to the vaginal walls.
However, it is recommended to notify the doctor if, in addition to a change in density or viscosity, other symptoms appear, such as the following:
- fever
- pain or burning when ejaculating
- blood in ejaculations or brown-colored semen
- pungent or foul odor in ejaculations
- blood in the urine
- swollen scrotum
All these symptoms are indicative of urinary tract or reproductive tract infections. Therefore, consultation with the urologist is essential to start the appropriate treatment promptly.
A typical situation in most cases
As you can see, the fact that the semen comes out as white jelly is common in many men. The causes of this are very varied, from an inactive sexual life to a deficient water intake. However, you should always consult a specialist if you notice any other alarming symptoms.